On Sept. 3, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Wooley Road. When officers arrived, they located a red 1991 Pontiac Firebird south of the intersection. The driver of the vehicle, 19-year old Oxnard resident Juan Cruz, suffered significant injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. A female passenger, 20-year-old Port Hueneme resident Karisa Serrato, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe injuries. Serrato was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center immediately but later succumbed to her injuries. A second passenger in the car, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident, was also transported to the hospital and is listed in critical but stable condition.

Based upon the initial investigation, officers determined that the Firebird was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Firebird collided with a Lexus GS 430 that was also traveling southbound. After hitting with Lexus, the Firebird continued southbound through the intersection of Wooley Rd., left the roadway, and then struck a large palm tree broadside. The force of the collision knocked the palm tree over.

The driver of the Lexus, a 34-year-old male, was not injured and remained at the scene. It is unknown whether or not drugs and/or alcohol were involved in the collision. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information is asked to contact Officer Jose Diaz of the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit 805-385-7600 Jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org.